rabies information

what is rabies?

Rabies is a viral disease that is passed through bites or exposure to saliva or nervous tissue. Once exposure has occurred, the disease spreads from the bite area through the nerves to the brain. Once this occurs, the disease is fatal. Vaccination of animals and prevention is the best defense against rabies.

In Pennsylvania in 2010, raccoons topped the list of the most rabies cases, but surprising to many people was that cats tied skunks for spot number two. Don't assume that only wild animals will carry the disease or that the cute cat or dog you see on the sidewalk might not be infected.

Signs we typically associate with rabies like foaming at the mouth or excessive drooling don't show themselves until late in the disease - or sometimes not at all - so you can't rely on visual cues alone. ​

additional tips

Here are some other tips which may come in handy:

Don't let pets roam freely outside. Their chance of contact with wild animals is increased, and the chance of exposure goes up. Additionally, if your pet is bitten and returns to the house, each family member is at risk for exposure, and you may not even be able to tell that your pet was bitten.

Do not approach, feed or handle animals with which you are unfamiliar. You have no way of knowing if the animal is vaccinated or already infected.

Be sure to put all garbage bags in trash cans with tight-fitting lids. Leaving garbage bags exposed increases the chance that wild animals like skunks and raccoons will follow their nose to your leftovers.

If you see wild animals who are acting strangely, notify local authorities immediately.

dog licensing

it's not just bling, it's the law

All dogs three months or older must be licensed by January 1 of each year. Dog owners who do not license their dogs can be cited with a maximum fine of $300 per unlicensed dog plus court costs. ​Dog wardens canvass neighborhoods across the state looking for unlicensed dogs and fine any dog owners who break the law. Wardens issued more than 900 fines for failing to license a dog in 2013. The cost of a license is far less than the penalty for being caught without one.

getting a license

Dog licenses are available from your local county treasurer. Some counties offer online licensing. Licenses may also be available through registered agents in certain counties, including retail businesses and veterinary offices.

An annual dog license is $8.45 or $6.45 if the animal is spayed or neutered. Lifetime licenses are available for dogs that have permanent identification like a microchip or tattoo. Older adults and people with disabilities may be eligible for discounts. The dog license application is simple and only requests owner contact information and details about the dog being licensed, like name, age, breed and color.

pet dental care

pet dental care is a reason to smile

Dog breath? It could be the sign of something more serious.

Don’t think that because your pet isn’t showing signs of oral discomfort that everything is fine.Untreated oral disease can be dangerous to your pet’s health and much more expensive to correct down the road than paying for preventive measures now.

​Examine your pet’s mouth regularly for warning signs which can include brown colored teeth; swollen, red, or bleeding gums; continued bad breath; broken and/or loose teeth; pus near the gum line; or any unusual growths. Non-visual signs can include reluctance to chew or eat, reluctance to drink cold water, and avoidance of chew toys or playing. If you notice any of these signs, consult your veterinarian.